The Second World War didn’t physically reach the subcontinent but subcontinental soldiers were heavily involved. Muslim regiments, Gurkha regiments and Sikh regiments saw frantic action in Burma and China. Several regiments also fought against Mussolini in Africa. After the First World War a comprehensive military structure was established by the British in India that recruited mainly from Punjab, Pathans and Sindh.

After the partition, these regiments were also divided, usually on religious basis. Since Pakistan contained the areas which were recruiting grounds for the British, it received a proportionally larger share of the military. The larger numbers eventually led to the military becoming a strong party in Pakistan as compared to India. And the following history of military intervention is common history.